For nearly six years, I've had the wonderful opportunity to be on a robotics team and compete in the First Lego League Robotics Competition. Our team, the Lego Mountaineers, was a home school team and competed in many different tournaments in California. Through the program, we learned and developed skills in writing, research, teamwork, engineering, programming, mechanical design, and presentation.

When we became too old to compete, Wendy, Mom, and I agreed to volunteer judge one of the local competitions. For the past four years, we have thoroughly enjoyed helping run these tournaments and seeing a side of the competitions we had never seen before and we have loved judging the different aspects of the competitions: research presentation, robot design, robot performance, and teamwork. While I have now judged all of the different aspects of the competitions, my favorite part is refereeing the robot performance. I love watching the brilliant ways the teams solve a challenge and encouraging them in their work. I also enjoy seeing the missions first-hand and watching the team members - who are under a lot of pressure - overcome sudden mechanical problems and difficulties.

First Lego League has been a wonderful part of my life since I was nine and has taught me many valuable skills and lessons. I am so glad I can continue to and help in the program and see other kids benefit from the same experiences I enjoyed!